Five Good Things: Industry celebrates workforce awards, roadside rescues, and community giving

NPTC honors 121 certified transportation professionals

One hundred twenty-one transportation professionals have achieved the designation of Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) through the NPTC Institute, the educational and professional certification arm of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). The graduation ceremony was held in conjunction with the NPTC Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, May 9-11.

Since the CTP designation was first introduced in 1993, more than 1,900 fleet and transportation professionals have earned the right to add CTP after their name. CTPs are raising industry standards, thus increasing the respect and prestige of the fleet and transportation profession.

“These new Certified Transportation Professionals have demonstrated the knowledge and ability to understand complex operational and regulatory issues, identify and evaluate potential costs and savings, and develop systems and practices that best meet their company’s transportation needs and objectives,” said Mike Schwersenska, CTP, VP of Brakebush Transportation, NPTC treasurer, and chair of the NPTC Institute Board of Governors that oversees the program.

You can view the full CTP Class of 2026 here. 

TCA names Prince Bali and Karamjit Singh Cheema TCA Highway Angels

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Prince Bali and Karamjit Singh Cheema, drivers with Triple Eight Transport, TCA Highway Angels for their assistance to stranded motorists during winter conditions in British Columbia.

On March 17, Bali and Cheema were traveling from Calgary to Abbotsford when they encountered heavy snowfall near Hope, British Columbia. After a route closure caused delays and travel resumed when the roads reopened, the team proceeded through the mountainous region.

“We saw a young boy standing outside the vehicle, shivering and clearly in distress,” Bali said. “We knew right away we had to turn around and help.”

As they continued along the route, the drivers encountered a traffic backup and noticed a family vehicle stuck on an uphill section of the road. After turning their truck around, they also came across another stranded motorist—an elderly truck driver whose 53-ft. trailer was stuck in the snow. Bali and Singh first assisted the truck driver in stabilizing his situation before returning to the family in need.

Working together, the team reassured the family and prepared their equipment. Using straps from their truck, Cheema handled the driving while Bali guided the recovery, and they successfully pulled the family’s vehicle out of the snow. They also helped restart the electric vehicle and ensured the family was able to safely continue their journey.

“We just wanted to make sure everyone was safe and able to get back on the road,” Cheema said. “That’s what matters most in situations like this.”

Next Generation in Trucking Association reveals 2026 Career Catalyst Award recipients

The Next Generation in Trucking Association recently named the recipients of the 2026 Career Catalyst Awards, recognizing organizations that are making an impact in developing and supporting the next generation workforce within the trucking and transportation industry.

“We created the Career Catalyst Awards because there are companies across this industry doing incredible work to invest in people, but many of those efforts are not always seen or recognized,” Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the association, stated. “These awards were designed to spotlight organizations that are building real career pathways, partnering with schools, creating opportunities for young people, and helping position trucking and transportation as a first-choice career field for the next generation workforce. We also hope these stories inspire other companies to explore new ways to engage, train, mentor, and invest in the future workforce so we can continue strengthening the industry together.”

Presented in partnership with The National Transportation Institute (NTI) and Engine, the Career Catalyst Awards celebrate companies that are taking action to strengthen the future workforce through training, mentorship, apprenticeships, school engagement, leadership development, and long-term employee growth opportunities across the trucking and transportation industry.

“Workforce development is one of the most important conversations happening in trucking today, and the companies being honored through the Career Catalyst Awards are leading by example,” Leah Shaver, NTI’s president and CEO, said. “These organizations are not waiting for the next generation workforce to appear. They are actively building pathways, investing in training and mentorship, engaging with schools and communities, and creating environments where people can build meaningful long-term careers. Their efforts strengthen the future of the trucking industry.”

You can view the full list of 2026 Career Catalyst Award recipients here. 

Cummins employees volunteer to grow stronger communities on Arbor Day

On this year’s Arbor Day, volunteers from Cummins, Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E), the Arbor Day Foundation, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful planted more than 50 native trees in the College Park neighborhood of northwest Indianapolis. 

The volunteers’ efforts focused on a community with a limited tree canopy and an opportunity to benefit from new plantings. Urban trees play a role in filtering air pollutants, intercepting stormwater before it reaches overtaxed sewer systems, and cooling streets and sidewalks during the summer months.

Nearly 50 volunteers spent the morning digging, preparing root systems, navigating rocky soil, and mulching newly planted trees. Cummins employees were joined by company leaders, including Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey, along with community partners Mel Raines, Tamika Catchings, and Rachel Simon of PS&E; City-County Council President Maggie Lewis; Arbor Day Foundation Director of Corporate Partnerships Abbie Eisenhart; and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful President and CEO Jeremy Kranowitz.

“Cummins has its roots in Indiana, and for more than a century, we believe that the health of our company is directly connected to the health of our communities,” Rumsey said. “Planting trees in the College Park neighborhood is a meaningful way to invest in cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and long-term community well-being. It also reflects the collective impact we can make when employees, partners, and organizations come together to support the places they call home.”

The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to tree planting, provided guidance and support for the project as a part of our broader partnership, while Keep Indianapolis Beautiful coordinated the planting locally and will maintain the trees during their critical early years of growth.